Dogs and cats have two sets of teeth, just like humans. The deciduous (baby) teeth are replaced by the permanent (adult) teeth between about 3-6 months of age.
Sometimes the deciduous teeth do not fall out, which can lead to overcrowding, increased susceptibility to periodontal disease and abnormal positioning of the permanent teeth, sometimes with painful consequences. This is most commonly seen with the canine teeth (fangs) and incisors (front teeth).
It is strongly recommended that persistent deciduous teeth are removed to protect the health of their permanent counterparts. Your vet can check for these at about six months of age – if your pet is being desexed at this time it is the perfect opportunity to address any problems.
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